Have you ever had a hard goodbye with someone you cared about?
What’s one thing you wish you’d said to someone you lost?
Today, Jay sits down with Kate Cassidy, partner to Liam Payne — internationally beloved artist and former One Direction member — who tragically passed away in October. Kate opens up about the profound impact of losing her partner, the weight of grief, and how she’s learning to move forward. From their chance meeting in Charleston while she was working as a waitress to the whirlwind of building a life together, Kate reflects on the joy, the challenges, and the deep emotional connection they shared.
Kate expresses the emotional weight of being in the public eye, the toll of online criticism, and the realities of loving someone navigating mental health and addiction. She recounts the beauty in their every day routines, the balance they brought to each other’s lives, and the small, intimate moments that built the foundation of their relationship. Kate speaks candidly about the day she received the devastating news of Liam’s passing and the days that followed, marked by shock, numbness, and a grief unlike any other.
In this interview, you'll learn:
How to Support a Partner Struggling with Mental Health
How to Handle Grief After Losing a Loved One
How to Create Daily Routines That Support Healing
How to Find Strength When You Feel Powerless
How to Set Boundaries While Being a Caregiver
How to Keep Moving Forward When Life Changes Overnight
Kate's vulnerability is a powerful reminder that grief doesn’t follow a straight path — and that even in life’s most painful moments, there is space for love, learning, and hope.
With Love and Gratitude,
Jay Shetty
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What We Discuss:
00:00 Intro
01:32 How is Kate Really Doing?
03:59 Kate Reveals Her Childhood Crush on Liam
07:19 The Moment They Met, The Connection Was Instant
09:40 The Beginning of Their Fairytale Romance
11:50 What It Takes to Build Real, Lasting Love
12:56 Staying Grounded Amidst Fame & Public Scrutiny
15:31 What Liam Taught Kate About Blocking Out the Noise
18:54 Liam’s Quiet Struggles With Mental Health
22:19 The Reality of Loving Someone Battling Addiction
30:05 How Kate Received the News That Would Change Her Life Forever
36:09 Kate Shares Her Final Heartfelt Goodbye With Liam
39:43 The Emotional Support That Got Her Through The First Days
44:05 No One Prepares You for This Kind of Loss
45:11 How Kate Learned to Breathe Again Through the Grief
54:44 Rebuilding Life After Loss One Day At a Time
56:39 Kate Reads a Love Letter From Liam
01:02:59 The Power of Collective Grief: How Liam’s Fans Helped Kate Feel Less Alone
01:06:52 Losing Someone Feels Like Losing a Part of Yourself
01:10:25 Why Talking About Your Grief Helps You Heal
Episode Resources:
Kate Cassidy | Instagram
Kate Cassidy | TikTok
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty 